Enterprise Engineering theories -- Introduction and overview

Abstract

In order to illustrate the basic idea of the Ciao! Network concerning the development of the discipline of enterprise engineering (EE), the tree metaphor is presented. The roots of the tree are the theories, the trunk contains the methodologies built on these roots, and the leafs and flowers stand for the flourishing enterprises that are achieved by applying the methodologies. The common theoretical basis for establishing EE, is the Ciao! paradigm that has its origins in the communication-centric view on information systems (engineering) that emerged around 2000. It replaces the information-centric view, which increasingly fails to support the theory and practice of information systems engineering effectively. The Ciao! paradigm provides a~coherent and integrated understanding of these four core notions: communication, information, action, and organisation. After the discussion of the paradigm, the current seven EE theories are discussed briefly, after having been ordered in an appropriate classification scheme.